Chapter 35-September
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any of the songs in this chapter.
Author's Note: I guess this is the major shifting point here. I've had major writer's block on this because I guess on some level; I hate to split them up. However, writing the letter from Michael in the last story (which was the first part of the chapter that I wrote) inspired the next part. You guys are really great, by the way. I had 3 reviews on the last chapter alone, and I would like to say thank you. They really make me strive to give you even better chapters as this story progress. One review stood out to me, and I wanted to address it.
From Dancer 16, Anyway there were two parts that stands out to me in this chapter one is the letter from Michael. Like Thomas I'm not too sure I trust Michael his letter sounded sincere but can he really change?
I love the theater kids' part in this chapter too, and how they invited Blaine and Thomas to their show and how they asked Blaine to step in for a night and play the role he was meant to play. I love how you slip in some of these feel good scenes in every chapter keep them coming. Thanks again for posting.
In response to your review, thank you. I love writing this story. I'm glad that you like the warmer scenes. Some of the previous chapters were so angst-filled, but Blaine isn't normally like that. He's an optimist. I think that there has to be an underlying source for that. There will still be some angst in these next few chapters, but not without those warm moments. As for Michael's letter (in response to belindaheflin1, who also commented on Michael's letter), it will be revealed later if he was sincere or not. So if it seems like he's forgotten, he's not. He will just be dormant in this chapter. This chapter will pretty much focus on Thomas and Blaine.
From belindaheflin1, Glad to see Thomas will continue to be part of the storyline. He was the bridge to Blaine's new world. And now Kurt is dribbling in as Copper relates his coffee story. Kurt won't be in this chapter, but he will show up again soon. And He and Thomas will have some interactions (though I'm going to leave it at that for right now.)
And to DJ Eclipse, your comments when you edit really reassure me and help me through this process. You are awesome. I have gone back and reread your comments so that I can use that to help me.
Chapter 35- September
Blaine, October 1, 2009
"Thomas," I said, breaking our kiss. "I'm really going to miss you. I know we will keep in touch, but the thought of not seeing you is just hard."
"Blaine, I told you, I'm moving, but I'm always here for you. You aren't getting away from me that easily." He kissed me gently on the cheek.
"I have one more thing for you." I grabbed my guitar.
"Are you going to give me a live performance?"
"Yeah, while I still can. Plus, I don't want you to open the cd yet." I sang "Not Alone" to him again, staring in his eyes. We both had tears pouring from our eyes and I didn't make it through the song.
I climbed onto his bed and wrapped my arms around him. I held Thomas tightly around the waist as we kissed each other passionately, both of us aware that this would be our final goodbye.
"Are you ready, buddy!" Cooper asked, walking into Thomas' room. "Oops!" He said as we broke our kiss. "Sorry, you guys." He turned around to leave.
"It's ok, Cooper," said Thomas. "We were just saying goodbye."
"You know, Thomas, I consider you a friend too, but you don't have to give me the same parting gift," he smirked.
"Actually, I was just thinking about giving you the same gift that you gave me," Thomas replied.
"But I didn't get you anything?"
"Exactly. Now what color would you want it in," Thomas laughed.
"Very funny," Cooper pretended to pout. "I really will miss you. You're a great kid, and you've been an awesome boyfr.. I mean, best friend to Blaine. Thanks, man."
"You're welcome. Man! Now I wish I did get you something."
"You could give me the numbers of the hot chicks you are going to meet in that fancy school of yours."
"Cooper, this is a performing arts high school. They are underage," he replied.
"But your teachers won't be," he replied, raising an eyebrow.
"You're mistaking me for Blaine. He's the girl magnet. Most girls avoid me because they know I'm gay at first glance."
"Yeah, but he's going to an all boy school. Then again, he will have teachers there too, which is why I so graciously offered to help him move," Cooper replied.
"And I thought it was because you loved your injured kid brother," I pouted.
"That too. You know, just killing two bugs with one stone," he replied.
"It's birds, Coop. Two birds with one stone."
"Who kills birds with a stone?" He looked puzzled. "Anyway, kid, we do have to head out soon. You have to finish packing. I'll drop you back here in the morning."
"Thanks, Coop. Now, leave for a few minutes while I say goodbye," I said.
"I thought that's what you guys were doing when I walked in," he grinned.
"Yeah, and we weren't finished, " I responded. Cooper turned around and stepped out of the room, and I faced Thomas. "Now, where were we?"
"Boys, how was your...? Oh sorry!" Abby said, blushing. "Good sleepover?" she chuckled.
"Yeah," Thomas replied. "Thanks for letting him stay, mom."
"Yeah, thanks, Mrs. Hen… Abby," I said. "Well, Thomas, we will stop by in the morning. What time are you guys leaving the hospital?"
"We are leaving as soon as we can check him out. It will probably be around 9 or 10 A.M. Technically, he's not officially being released. I'll have to get him checked out at Chicago Memorial when we arrive. I'll call you when we arrive, ok?" She replied.
"Ok," I kissed him gently on the cheek. "Bye, Thomas. I'll see you tomorrow. If you guys decide to leave earlier, call me and I'll make Coop drive me up here. I want to see you before you go." Abby stepped into the hallway, obviously realizing that we needed a moment.
"I want to see you again, too. I love you, Blaine."
"I love you, too. Don't open the cd yet, ok. Promise me," I said.
"Ok, I won't. Seal it with a kiss?" he replied, placing his hand on my cheek as his lips collided into mine.
Thomas, Friday, October 2, 2009, Westerville Memorial
"Alright, kid. I believe you are ready to go," said Olivia, my nurse, as she helped me into my wheelchair.
My mom stood over by the door, conversing with the doctor regarding some instructions for my care while we were driving. Even though I was getting to leave, I would be no stranger to the hospital in Chicago.
"Son, I've got your bag packed and I just have to get your discharge papers."
"Mom! We can't leave yet. Blaine's not here yet." I stretched up as far as I could, but I couldn't see anything.
"Yeah, I am, babe!" He said, smiling, holding a cup of coffee from "See You Latte." "Sorry, I stopped to get you this. I missed our coffee dates and I really missed actual coffee. I couldn't drink anymore more of that atrocious concoction that the cafeteria tries to pass off as coffee."
"Yeah, I'm not going to miss it either. I'm going to miss you, though," I said, pushing my bangs out of my eyes. I missed my hair products and my clothes too, but I would get to see those things again in Chicago; I wouldn't get to see Blaine.
"May I?" Blaine asked, gesturing toward the handles of the wheelchair. "I could wheel him out."
"It's alright, boys." Abby smiled. "The car is around front."
"Thanks, Mrs. Hend, I mean, Abby." He grabbed the handles and wheeled me toward the door, whistling our song.
"They are too cute." I heard the nurse remark to my mom.
"Blaine," I said. "I don't know how I'm going to make it without you. Here, I want you to read this, but wait until I leave, ok." He handed me a sealed envelope.
"Ok, don't play the cd in front of your mom."
"Oh gosh, Blaine, what did you sing on there?"
He blushed. "It's not anything like that, babe. It's just, I might have said a few things before I started playing a few of the songs," Blaine said, staring in my eyes. "You're handsome, you know that? Those eyes are so mesmerizing. It really isn't fair."
"Blaine, you're hot too!" I chuckled. I recognized that outfit. He was wearing the same red and black outfit he wore when I drove him to school the first time, the morning I had realized my feelings for him. "You're the hottest guy at Central. Those Dalton boys are going to love you."
"Those art school hot shots are going to love you, too. Thomas, you'll finally be in a place where people will appreciate you."
"I am kind of curious to see what it will be like. If it weren't for leaving you, I'd be all for it."
"Like you reminded me yesterday, I'll always be here for you, Thomas. Don't be a stranger. Text me. In addition, mom set up a new Facebook page. It's private, so it will be mainly for you, me, the Glee kids, and Jenny," said Blaine.
"That sounds great. I'd love to see photos once you get settled, and text me when you can. The play is in four weeks. Are you going to take up on the offer they gave you?"
"I'd like to. Mrs. Davis said I'd have to attend a dress rehearsal or two if I did. I think I'll do a matinee. Dad and Coop said they would like to see me perform."
"I would too, Blaine. Maybe that would give me an excuse to visit." I leaned forward and raised my neck forward, beckoning him to kiss me. He leaned in and caressed my cheek. "I love you, B!"
"I love you, too, T! Best friends, right?" He questioned.
"Best friends," I replied. "Always. Remember, after you graduate if you want to come to Chicago, I'd love to have you there."
"It sounds like a plan."
"Alright, sweetie! Are you ready to go, son?" Abby asked.
"I guess, as ready as I am ever going to be," I replied with a pout.
Blaine leaned down and kissed my forehead. "Bye, blue eyes. Call me when you arrive."
"I will. I'm not driving, so just text me during the trip." I said.
"I can't. I'll be unpacking. I have a double room and I'm going to have a roommate. He'll be in class when I arrive, but I'll meet him after class. Mom couldn't remember his name." He leaned back down and gave me a hug. I didn't want to let go but I reluctantly released my grasp.
Olivia helped me into the car. I decided to be strong. I fought tears as he looked at me with those gorgeous hazel eyes. A single tear slid down his cheek and I couldn't hold back. I rolled down the window. "Blaine, remember," then I started to lightly sing,
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Blaine ran to my window and pulled me into a final hug. "Don't be afraid to shine, Thomas! Don't hide who you are, because you are amazing." Our lips met for one final kiss and I could taste the salt from his tears on his lips.
"Don't forget to open the letter when you get to Dalton, ok."
"Don't forget to listen to your cd. Bye." Blaine sobbed.
"Bye. I love you!" I called.
"I love you, too." He waved and I stared at him as my mother pulled out of the lot. I watched through the tears welling up in my eyes until I couldn't see him anymore. I felt my heart drop into my stomach as the realization washed over me that the love of my life was fading from my life. I wanted to put the cd in the console but I refrained. Instead, I fiddled with the station dials. The tears slowed and I was able to regain composure until a particular song starting blaring on the radio.
How the time passed away, all the trouble that we gave
And all those days we spent out by the lake
Has it all gone to waste? All the promises we made
One by one they vanish just the same
Would everything that we had vanish once he met new friends? Would he forget what we had?
Of all the things I still remember
Summer's never looked the same
The years go by and time just seems to fly
But the memories remain
I knew everything that we experienced would be etched in my mind permanently: our sweet kisses, our hugs, our "I love yous", our songs and dances, our coffee dates. All those moments were the best moments of my life.
In the middle of September we'd still play out in the rain
Nothing to lose but everything to gain
Reflecting now on how things could've been
It was worth it in the end
September… It felt like such a lifetime, that one month, but it also flew by so swiftly. Everything we had experienced had occurred in less than 30 days, a tornado of emotions and experiences, but I wouldn't ever trade them.
Now it all seems so clear, there's nothing left to fear
So we made our way by finding what was real
Now the days are so long that summer's moving on
We reach for something that's already gone, yeah
He was gone. Blaine was gone and I knew it was inevitable that we would both have to move on with our lives.
Of all the things I still remember
Summer's never looked the same
The years go by and time just seems to fly
But the memories remain
In the middle of September we'd still play out in the rain
Nothing to lose but everything to gain
Reflecting now on how things could've been
It was worth it in the end
Everything truly was worth it, though. I remembered someone once saying it was better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all; what they never mentioned was the pain and heartbreak. I was trembling with the realization that September was over.
Yeah, we knew we had to leave this town (we knew we had to leave this town)
But we never knew when and we never knew how (we never knew how)
We would end up here the way we are
Yeah, we knew we had to leave this town (we knew we had to leave this town)
But we never knew when and we never knew how (we never knew how)
Of all the things I still remember
Summer's never looked the same
The years go by and time just seems to fly
But the memories remain
In the middle of September we'd still play out in the rain
Nothing to lose but everything to gain
Reflecting now on how things could've been
It was worth it in the end
As tears rained from my eyes, I reflected on it all and grabbed my phone. I'll never forget September. I sent a text:
Thomas to Blaine: I miss you already! I love you!
Blaine to Thomas: I miss you too! I love you too! Don't forget to shine for me, T!
Blaine, October 2, 2009, Dalton Academy
"Um, wow! This place is huge and gorgeous! I'm afraid to touch anything," I told Cooper. "I just really don't think I'll ever be comfortable here, Coop."
"Blaine, why did you pack clothes? There are five brand new, pressed uniforms right here."
"Cooper, I want to wear my own clothes sometimes, at least. I know that I won't get a chance to on a regular basis, but you can't just expect me to just throw on sweats if I want to go somewhere after hours."
"Well, I guess that makes sense."
"Wow, there's movie memorabilia all over this room. He must be a nerd like you, Blaine."
"Coop, I grew up with you, so I know about your stash of Transformers that are still in the box. You can't really call anyone else a nerd."
"Fair point, but you are a bigger nerd than I."
"Thanks, big brother!"
"No problem, little bro!" He chuckled.
"I wonder if he's gay, too?" Cooper asked.
"Nope, I'm completely straight!" His hair was bright blonde. He was really cute. He had the largest, poutiest lips I had ever seen. "Howdy, Partner," he said, attempting to sound like John Wayne. "My name is Sam, and I guess you are Blaine."
Author's Note: In Duets, Sam said he went to an all boy's school, which was the reason he was awkward around girls. Sorry, I had to do it. Did it surprise anyone? Don't hate me. Sam is straight.